Wednesday in Wyoming - July 6, 2022

 

July is Frontier Days month - the biggest event of the year in Cheyenne. Although the rodeo is the primary attraction, there are numerous other activities to attract visitors (and residents).

Since the four Grand Parades are among my favorite events, I'm going to feature them this month.

Cheyenne owes its existence to the Union Pacific railroad, so it's not surprising that at least one of the entries in the parade relates to the building of the transcontinental railroad. 

But a horse with golden hooves? What does that have to do with a railroad?

The horse and the gold on its hooves and in its mane commemorate the golden spike, which marks the completion of the railroad. Two teams, one working from east to west, the other from west to east, met in Utah, where the now-famous last spike was driven. 

For more information about the golden spike and the national historic park where it's located, click here.